The United States women pulled away down the stretch to see off Turkey and extend their Olympic winning streak to 36 games.

Geno Auriemma's squad, seeking a fifth straight gold medal for the United States, still looked a way off their best but were nevertheless too strong for Turkey.

Angel McCoughtry led the Americans with 18 points while Tina Charles had 16 and Lindsay Whalen 14.

Turkey started strongly and led 10-6 when Emine Palazoglu sank a three-pointer midway through the first quarter.

But the Americans began to find their rhythm and when McCoughtry made a basket to end the period they were on top at 19-16.

That momentum carried into the second quarter, and the lead had reached double figures when Sue Bird swished a three to make it 28-18 with five minutes to go until half-time. Whalen hit a pair of free throws to take the lead to 41-26 at the midway point.

Turkey started the second half strongly, and Kuanitra Hollingsvorth's jump shot made it 43-37 midway through the third period as they began to haul the Americans back in.

A three from Birsel Vardarli cut the gap to 50-45 but that seemed to get the Americans' attention and they reeled off a 17-2 run, going 67-47 ahead on a jump shot from Whalen early in the fourth quarter.

That effectively put the game out of reach for Turkey, who had impressed in winning their opening two games and who will not need to be too worried about this loss.